Navy People: Billie Millard

14 July 2010

At 22 years of age, Magill’s Billie Millard, has just won a job that could take her anywhere.

After five months of rigorous training, Billie has just graduated from the Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay.

Next stop is HMAS Watson in Sydney where she will undergo intensive training to become an Officer of the Watch, in charge of the safety of navigation of a warship at sea.

The course Billie has just completed gives all new officers the basic qualifications and experience they will need as junior leaders and managers.

As part of her training, Billie’s study included leadership training, communication, seamanship and boat work, fire fighting and ship damage control, Royal Australian Navy ships, weapons and technology, fitness training, basic weapons-handling plus parade and ceremonial.

“I really enjoyed all the practical aspects of the course such as fire fighting, weapons training and first aid. I also liked the field leadership exercises; I have learnt a lot in the past few months,” Billie said.

Before joining the Navy, Billie was working full time with the education department and was Vice President of the Norwood Morialta Old Scholars Association.

“My main role as a Seaman Officer will be as a representative of the Commanding Officer who ‘drives’ and navigates the ship.

“In the future I would really like to be an Executive Officer of a warship and would like to participate in overseas operations, especially the humanitarian efforts the Navy is involved in.

“I am also excited being able to have the bridge of a warship as my office!”